DTF (Direct To Film) means printing your artwork in full colour, with a white underbase, onto a film coated with adhesive powder. You then heat-press it onto the textile of your choice. No screen as in screen printing, no weeding as with flex, and no limit on colours.
Why choose DTF?
- All textiles: cotton, polyester and blends, light or dark: T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, workwear. Caps with a suitable press.
- All colours: gradients, photos and fine details are reproduced faithfully.
- Cost-effective: place as many designs as you like on a 35 × 40 cm sheet.
- Durable: holds up well in the wash up to 40 °C, garment turned inside out.
Preparing your file
- Transparent-background PNG (or PDF), 35 × 40 cm, at 300 dpi, i.e. 4134 × 4724 pixels. A template is available on the DTF Sheet product page.
- Lines and text at least 1 mm thick, and 5 mm of space between designs so they are easy to cut out.
- Avoid shadows and semi-transparent gradients. No need to mirror the design.
Applying a DTF transfer
- Preheat the press to 140-150 °C.
- Place the transfer printed side down on the textile and press for 10 to 15 seconds, with medium to firm pressure (3 to 5 bar).
- Peel off the film hot or cold, after a few seconds.
- For maximum durability, press again for 5 seconds with a sheet of baking paper.
Without a press, an iron with no steam, on the cotton setting and pressing hard, can do the job for small designs. For sportswear and technical textiles (softshell, nylon), do a test before a full run.
Care
Wait 24 hours after application before the first wash. Wash up to 40 °C, garment turned inside out; no tumble dryer or bleach, and do not iron directly on the design.
DTF, flex or screen printing?
Flex is cut and then weeded: it suits single-colour text and logos. Screen printing becomes worthwhile from 100 items, for designs with few colours. DTF reproduces every colour from the very first sheet, with no screen preparation. See our T-shirts and sweatshirts if you would rather we applied the designs for you, from 1 item.
Print shops, clothing brand creators, associations and individuals with a press: for a large volume or a custom size, make a DTF quote request.
Everything about DTF printing in Paris: technique, textiles, files.
Preparing your file: which file to send for printing.
Ideas and advice: How to apply a DTF transfer: the step-by-step guide · What are the best textile printing techniques for the best result? · Launching your streetwear clothing brand: our advice.
See also: ready-to-press DTF transfer · DTF or flex · price of a DTF transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Which file should I send?
A transparent-background PNG (or a PDF) at 35 × 40 cm, 300 dpi, i.e. 4134 × 4724 pixels. A template is available on the product page.
How do I apply a DTF transfer?
With a heat press, following the temperature, time and pressure shown on the product page, then peel off the film. An iron with no steam can do the job for small designs.
How much does a DTF sheet cost?
The price drops with quantity, down to €5 per 35 × 40 cm sheet. The price tiers are detailed on the product page.
What is the printing lead time?
Your sheets ship within 1 to 3 working days, or the same day with express if you order before 4 pm (working day), then are delivered in 1 to 4 working days or can be collected free of charge from our workshop.
Do I need to mirror the design?
No: send your design the right way round and we take care of the rest.
Can a DTF transfer be applied to polyester?
Yes, DTF holds on cotton, polyester and blends. For technical textiles (softshell, nylon), do a test before a full run.
Another question or a bulk order? Request a free quote, reply within 24 hours.